Official Course Information

Biology Courses:

Catalog Description:
Examines the structure and functioning of cells, including origin, physiology, biochemistry, respiration, photosynthesis, reproduction, and genetics. Laboratory exercises reinforce the lectures, which include using microscopes and measurement techniques. General Biology 1 and 2 are recommended to students transferring into premedicine or any life science program. (General Biology I and II are not sequential. Either may be taken first.). Fall only. Three lecture hours, three lab hours. Prerequisites: BIO104 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher or high school Regents biology and Regents chemistry each with a Regents exam grade of 70 or higher. Completion of the Genesee Community College reading and math proficiencies.

Lecture: 3 hrs.Lab: 3 hrs.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs):
Upon successful completion of the course, as documented by tests, laboratory reports, and/or oral presentations, students will be able to :

1. Demonstrate and explain the methods which scientists use to explore natural phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, and the evaluation of data in a laboratory setting.*
2. Differentiate between atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, types of bonds and describe the importance of water to living organisms.
3. Differentiate prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells based on cell organelles and membrane components.
4. Describe at least 5 types of membrane transport and their correlation to membrane physiology.
5. Compare and contrast the processes of mitosis and meiosis in eukaryotic cells.
6. Describe and use the current taxonomic classification system.
7. Explain concepts of thermodynamics and relate them to cellular metabolic processes including enzyme mechanics, photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
8. Describe the steps of photosynthesis, and cellular respiration and relate them to the chemiosmotic theory of ATP generation.
9. Describe basic concepts of classical genetics.
10. Apply the process of science to basic concepts of molecular genetics in the context of DNA discovery, DNA replication, transcription and translation.*

* This course objective has been identified as a student learning outcome that must be formally assessed as part of the Comprehensive Assessment Plan of the college. All faculty teaching this course must collect the required data and submit the required analysis and documentation at the conclusion of the semester to the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.

Content Outline:
I. Introduction to Life and the Scientific Process
II. Inorganic Chemistry
III. Biomolecules and their role in Living Organisms
IV. Cells: Organelles and Membrane
V. Cells: Transportation Between and Within
VI.Cells: Reproduction
VII. Energy Utilization of Living Organisms
IIX. Metabolic Processes Within Cells: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
IX. Molecular Genetics